Don’t trust your tired self on country roads

19 Jun 2018
9:27 AM -

Motorists are being cautioned not to trust their tired selves while driving in Junee Shire, with an increase of fatigue related incidences on our local roads.

Junee Shire Council’s Road Safety Officer advises “Many drivers aren’t aware how being tired can affect their driving, and most don’t realise just how dangerous it is when we are tired behind the wheel”.

“Being awake for around 17 hours has a similar effect on your driving ability as having a blood alcohol content of 0.05 – so it’s just like being over the limit”.

“With school holidays about to start soon, and families travelling long distances to get to destinations, we have found that driver fatigue increases dramatically, so it is vitally important to consider how tired you are when you get behind the wheel”, she advises.

Driver fatigue is a major road safety issue in Junee Shire so it is timely to remind people to plan regular rest breaks.

“Get a good night’s sleep before you head off, take regular breaks and share the driving around if possible.

“Driver Reviver stops are a great place to take a break from the road, get out of the car, stretch, walk around and have something to eat or drink”, she added.

However, planning ahead is the best way to deal with tiredness, and Transport for NSW has developed a new website to help people assess how tired they might be and learn how to avoid driving when tired.

Visit testyourtiredself.com.au for a fun and simple test based on a series of questions, memory challenges and reaction responses to see how tired you might be before driving, but more importantly find out what to do before getting behind the wheel to avoid driving tired.

"You can test your tired self on a mobile phone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer and get some great tips if the test does say you might be too tired to drive, such as having a nap or a good night’s sleep," she said.

"Research also shows your ability to judge how tired you are declines the more tired you become. So if you’re planning to get behind the wheel, head online and test your tired self – it only takes a few minutes but it could save your life."

In addition, don’t forget to download a copy of the Roads and Maritime Services Rest Area and Driver Reviver Sites map which offers motorists an easy way to locate rest area sites along NSW roads and highways.

Finally, by following the following tips motorists can minimise the risks of suffering from driver fatigue and keep safe on our country roads:

Don’t drive when you would normally be asleep

Avoid starting long drives after work

Take regular breaks from driving

Share the driving whenever possible

Pull over and stop when you feel drowsy, uncomfortable or start to lose concentration

Ask your doctor or pharmacist about whether any medication you may be taking will affect your driving ability.